Prepare Your Electric Golf Cart for the Season

As warmer weather approaches, many people are thinking about heading to the golf course or the beach. Others are thinking about landscaping and home improvement projects. Whatever purpose your golf cart serves, now is the time to pull it out of storage and begin preparation for the upcoming season.

A golf cart is a vehicle and just like a car; it needs regular maintenance and care to function properly. Golf cart vehicles need an annual tune up. Regular maintenance results in the longevity of the cart as well the safety and security of the driver and the passengers. Some golf cart owners tune up their carts before putting them in storage, but the spring is a perfect time to make sure everything is in working order before the season begins. Some items you will need to check and repair or update before the season begins are:

Clean the Cart

• Remove the storage cover and rinse off the cart.
• Pressure wash and inspect the undercarriage.
• Vacuum the carpet and dust the interior.
• Check the seating for tears.
• Check the dashboard for any cracks or other damage.
• Replace damaged items such as seats, lockboxes, coolers, fenders, and cup holders.
• Check your horn is in good working order.
• Make sure your audio system is working.

Batteries

• Check batteries for cracks and swelling. A battery may crack and swell if not properly charged during the cold winter months.

• Clean battery terminals (a paste of water and baking soda will remove corrosion). If that does not work, then replace the battery.
• Sprinkle dry baking soda to neutralize acid if corrosion occurred.
• Check the water level and if necessary add distilled water to cover the cells.
• Check your battery cables to make sure the connections are tight.
• Charge your batteries.
• Replace faulty battery cables.

Tires

• Check the tire pressure to make sure they are all even and at the proper operating pressure.
• Check the condition of the tires and rims and if necessary replace them.
• Consider the terrain you will drive your golf cart on this season and replace the tires to match the terrain.

Brakes

• Perform a brake test by checking the brake pads and brake function.
• Replace faulty equipment.

Steering Assembly

• Check for any missing hardware and ensure bolts and screws are tight.

Electrical

• Check all electrical components like forward and reverse and the accelerator.
• Check Speed control connections for corrosion.
• Check miscellaneous electric gadgets such as chargers.

Front and Rear Suspension

• Check for oil leakage.
• Replace loose or missing hardware.
• Replace worn bushings.

Rear Axle

• Drain and replace fluid.
• Check hardware and replace if loose or missing.

Mirrors

• Check mirrors for cracks.
• Replace any loose or missing hardware.
• Check functionality of folding mirrors.

Lights

• Replace burnt out light bulbs.
• Test all light fixtures, including turn signals and brake lights to make sure they work.
• Replace fuses.

Update the Appearance of the Cart

• Apply a fresh coat of paint.
• Add decals.
• Replace seat covers.
• Update audio equipment.
• Customize your cart from a host of accessories from mirrors to windshields.

Ensure you are Street Legal

Some communities allow golf carts to be driven on the road. Requirements vary by city, but in order to qualify, you must install the following basic items on your golf cart.

• License Plate
• Reflectors
• Parking Brakes
• Tail Lights
• Headlights
• Rearview Mirror
• Seat Belts
• Windshields
• Horn

Stay Safe While Operating your Golf Cart

The most important thing to remember when operating your golf cart is to remain safe. Golf cart safety is important to the well-being of you, other occupants of the golf cart and those around you. Remember to follow these safety tips:

• Drive responsibly and obey all rules of the road.
• Avoid driving in inclement weather.
• Only carry passengers you have seats for.
• Never operate a golf cart while intoxicated.
• Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Sound the horn at blind turns.
• Know the maximum weight limits of your cart.
• Do not let passengers ride in the cargo area.
• Wear seat belts if the cart is equipped with them.
• Be alert for changing conditions when driving.
• Do not take your hands off the wheel.

Whether it is for recreation or the transportation of people or materials in order to fully enjoy your golf cart, it is important to tune-up your cart before the season begins. All golf carts should be maintained as recommended by the manufacturer’s service schedule in your owner’s manual. If you are uncomfortable conducting a tune-up yourself, there are professionals who will conduct an inspection for you.